Couples and individuals who are unable to conceive on their own children may buy sperm to aid in artificial insemination. As of 2011, there were nearly no regulations for buying sperm in many countries, including the United States, and getting sperm was relatively easy. Interested sperm participants generally only had to contact a sperm donor clinic, fill out some forms, browse through donors, and purchase a sperm sample.

Sperm donors and their sperm samples are often a blessing for would-be parents who are unable to get pregnant. Although it is a very common reason for purchasing sperm, couples dealing with infertility are not the only sperm buyers. Many lesbian couples also buy sperm to start a family. Also, some older single women are use artificial insemination to have children before they are physically unable to.

Buying sperm is usually very easy. Most countries have little to no regulations when it comes to purchasing a sperm sample. Usually, no medical tests or other tests are needed to purchase a sperm sample.

Some countries, however, do limit the number of times that a man can donate his sperm. This helps prevent large numbers of children having the same father. In some countries, for example, men are allowed to donate their sperm as often as they wish. This usually leads to large numbers of half-siblings. It is then more likely a particular genetic disease could become more common, and it can also raise the risk of unintentional incest between a half-brother and half-sister.

Individuals who are interested in buying sperm should first contact a fertility clinic or sperm bank. These are common in major cities. Some individuals may also purchase sperm online.

Most people will often need to fill out several forms before buying sperm. Most sperm banks require recipients to sign consent forms, for example. Recipients will also be able to choose certain sperm donor characteristics, such as hair color, eye color, and height.

Once all necessary forms are filled out and the fees are paid, the sperm samples are then delivered either to the recipient or to the recipient's doctor. If they are delivered to the recipient's doctor, the doctor will then artificially inseminate his patient. Some women, however, may artificially inseminate themselves at home. This is generally a much less expensive option.

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